Today, President Obama signed Jaime Herrera Beutler’s legislative effort to prevent aquatic invasive species from infiltrating the Columbia River ecosystem into law.

“Protecting the Columbia River ecosystem from invasive species is paramount to our way of life in Southwest Washington, and I’m pleased the president signed my legislative effort into law today,” said Jaime. “Prevention is the first line of defense, and I’ve secured the resources to strengthen invasive species prevention because it’s the cheapest and most effective tool to use against invasive species. It is also key to maintain our reliable, renewable, and affordable hydro energy.

Jaime’s anti-invasive species initiative was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2017 (WRDA). Watercraft inspection stations intercept thousands of boats from all over the country to inspect for invasive mussels and decontaminate them. More information about Jaime’s effort is available here.

Dedicated Funding for Southwest Washington Ports

The WRDA bill also provides funding for maintenance and improvements to Southwest Washington ports by phasing in full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund -- money collected for harbor and channel operations maintenance and dredging. Jaime has consistently fought to ensure that 10% of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be set aside for small ports like those in Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, and along the Columbia River.

“I’ve consistently championed returning the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund resources to those small ports who need it. With the president’s signature of this legislative package, we’re also strengthening the small ports in Southwest Washington that support jobs and critical economic activity.”